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The Divided Self
The Divided Self
Nov 8, 2024 4:13 AM

Author:R. D. Laing,Anthony S. David

The Divided Self

The Divided Self, R.D. Laing's groundbreaking exploration of the nature of madness, illuminated the nature of mental illness and made the mysteries of the mind comprehensible to a wide audience.

First published in 1960, this watershed work aimed to make madness comprehensible, and in doing so revolutionized the way we perceive mental illness. Using case studies of patients he had worked with, psychiatrist R. D. Laing argued that psychosis is not a medical condition, but an outcome of the 'divided self', or the tension between the two personas within us: one our authentic, private identity, and the other the false, 'sane' self that we present to the world.

Laing's radical approach to insanity offered a rich existential analysis of personal alienation and made him a cult figure in the 1960s, yet his work was most significant for its humane attitude, which put the patient back at the centre of treatment.

Includes an introduction by Professor Anthony S. David.

'One of the twentieth century's most influential psychotherapists'

Guardian

'Laing challenged the psychiatric orthodoxy of his time ... an icon of the 1960s counter-culture'

The Times

Reviews

It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of Dr Bowlby's work... In practical terms, his ideas have modified and continue to influence the rearing of children and the treatment of those who are disturbed. In theoretical terms, his contributions have given psychoanalysis a shot in the arm and a biological perspective which was sadly lacking.

—— Sunday Times

The publication of Attachment and Loss will prove a turning point in the history of psychoanalysis and in psychology generally.

—— Times Literary Supplement

There can be no question that Bowlby is making a major contribution to the understanding of deviant emotional development in childhood and after.

—— Child Psychology and Psychiatry

Among animal experts, When Elephants Weep is being hailed as a milestone in the battle to make man understand he is only one member of an enormous family

—— George Gordon , Daily Mail

Crucial reading

—— New York Times Book Review

A breezy yet extremely thoughtful and intelligent work

—— Miami Herald
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